Badminton shoes are more than just part of your equipment; they’re your loyal companions on the court. They serve as your first line of protection, protecting you from possible injuries and falls. Furthermore, they are the secret element that boosts your pace, ensuring that you move quickly, safely, and efficiently throughout the court.
In this post, I will answer all your questions about how to choose a badminton shoe. I want to give you some maintenance recommendations to keep your badminton shoes functioning well. I will also provide you with some product recommendations if you want to buy a pair of new shoes. So, knot your laces and prepare to elevate your game with the perfect footwear!
Also, read this: Best Work Boots For Sore Feet ( Top Picks in 2022)
Is Badminton Shoes Important?
The answer is yes; they are essential. I recommend buying it immediately after starting to play badminton. I recommend purchasing it as the third piece of equipment right after the racket and transportation.
And why are they so important? Well, badminton movements are precise. Only Squash has several similar activities, although it does not cover all the range of exercises carried out by badminton, such as jumping movements.
Therefore, shoes designed specifically for badminton will help prevent injury and ensure your feet do not suffer from the pressure that usually comes from playing badminton. But the real question is how to choose a badminton shoe.
When should I consider to Choose a Badminton Shoe?
As I just mentioned, I consider badminton shoes as the third most crucial equipment after the racket and transportation to play badminton. So the answer is when you start playing. Maybe you can play once or twice to ensure you like it, but you must consider buying badminton shoes.
That does not mean you need to spend much money from the start. There are affordable badminton shoes for beginners, but they will still work for you if you only start.
Is it Essential in which type of Field I play when it comes to Choose a Badminton Shoe?
Yes, it’s essential in the type of field that you play when choosing your badminton shoes. It will determine how many bearings you should be looking for. Therefore, if you play badminton regularly, you should carefully check which surface you play on.
It is because badminton can be very hard on your knees and ankles. The best surface to play on is a suspended wood floor or badminton mat. In this case, standard badminton shoes will do an excellent job for you.
If for any reason, the only way you play badminton is on a hard and outdoor floor, then you have to look for shoes that have extra cushions. Maybe also a good idea to buy some good soles that help with additional cushions.
How To Choose a Badminton Shoe: Essential Characteristics
There are several characteristics that you must remember when thinking about how to choose a badminton shoe. However, before you keep reading all the different things to remember, I have good news for you.
If you buy shoes explicitly designed for badminton, you don’t need to worry about these characteristics because the shoes will check the most important box for the price range you are looking for. Therefore, let’s look at things that will have good badminton shoes.
Badminton Shoes must be Light:
Badminton is a speedy exercise where you have to move fast and where you also often change direction. For this reason, good badminton shoes will become lighter, so it does not become a burden to carrying.
Badminton Shoes must be Flexible:
For the same reason that they must be light, badminton shoes must also be flexible. The range of movements you do when playing badminton is extensive, switching from lunges to reaching a shot in the net, to jumping, or changing in a direction that is suddenly because of the deceptive shot from your opponent. Get to all this; badminton shoes must be flexible so your feet can change shape to match your specific movements.
Badminton Shoes should let your Ankles be Free to Move:
The mistake you can make when buying badminton shoes is to buy one where the ankle is covered in thought that will help protect you from injury. Because there is a constant direction change when you move around the court, you must let the ankle be free to adapt.
If not, you will have difficulty changing direction, and, long -term, you can start having problems with how extra protection affects your movements.
Badminton Shoes must have a Shape that Fits tightly to your Feet and Hold them Stable:
Although you need your ankle to be able to move freely, it is essential that your feet are tied safely in the shoes, and they don’t move. It will avoid injury or blisters that, if not, will appear because of all friction between your feet and shoes.
Therefore, be sure to purchase shoes that adapt to the shape of your feet. For example, if you have wide legs, check the options available for wide legs. Also, make sure to tie your shoes correctly so that the feet remain stable.
Badminton Shoes must have Thin Soles:
It is the first thing to be considered physically in appearance when it comes to how to choose a badminton shoe. Because of the need for light and flexibility, badminton shoes tend to have thin soles. It is a good sign that shoes will do what is needed.
However, people with bad knees may find thin soles unsuitable for them. If that’s the problem, I recommend buying a good sole or orthotic to provide the additional bearing needed. You can put this in your shoes, in a soles place that comes as a standard.
Badminton Shoe Soles must be made of Rubber Gum:
Because of all the changes in the suddenly needed in badminton, good attraction is one of the essential characteristics of having badminton shoes. To achieve this, the best quality material for your soles is rubber gums. Once again, this will come as a standard for all the right badminton shoes, but good to remember.
Badminton companies always work in different patterns and increase soles to increase traction, but no matter what ways that are owned by one, make sure it is made of rubber gums.
Badminton Shoes must provide an Excellent Cushion to the Impact:
Besides the need for light and flexibility, good badminton shoes must also have a good cushion on impact. It is essential because badminton has become an aggressive sport with a drastic leap and change. A good cushion on the effect will ensure that your knee does not suffer in vain. As I mentioned before, for people who need extra, soles or orthotic pads are a good choice.
Badminton Shoes must provide Reasonable humidity control and Breathing ability:
This characteristic will be distributed with good and not specific indoor shoes for badminton. Because of the sweat produced while playing badminton, it is essential for shoes that provide reasonable moisture control and breath to avoid unwanted odors.
An excellent exercise to prevent the appearance of smell is to leave dry shoes a little after using them instead of keeping them directly in the bag.
Badminton Shoe Soles should not Mark:
Another critical characteristic of badminton shoes is that the only one must not mark. It has no impact on your welfare or your ability to play badminton better. However, this is a requirement to play on the most badminton court in the room, so make sure the shoes you buy do not mark.
Badminton Shoes Maintenance Tips
Maintaining your badminton shoes is important to their longevity and performance. Here are some ways to help you keep your shoes in great condition:
- Clean Regularly: Clean your shoes after each use to avoid dirt buildup. This not only maintains your shoes looking excellent, but it also prevents dust and sweat from building up, which can deteriorate the material over time.
- Air Out Your Shoes: After playing, let your shoes to dry naturally. This helps remove any moisture and odor, keeping your shoes clean and dry.
- Avoid Outdoor Use: Badminton shoes are intended for indoor courts and shouldn’t be used outside. Using them outside could ruin the soles and limit their life. So, only wear your badminton shoes during matches.
- Store Properly: When not in use, keep them in a cool, dry place to avoid mold and mildew growth. Using a shoe bag might help them stay clean and dry.
- Check the Cushion: Make sure your shoes’ cushion isn’t worn away. If there’s pain in your heels and ankles during the match, it could mean that the cushioning has worn off and has to be replaced.
- Don’t Machine Wash: Cleaning your shoes in a machine will damage the material and soles. Instead, use a gentle brush to remove any dirt and soak them in warm, soapy water.
Best Badminton Shoes
Now talking about best badminton shoes and brands I recommended most Yonex products because it was the brand that I used and believed in my life. That does not mean that it is the only decent choice.
Other trusted badminton brands, such as Li-Ning or Victor (to mention some), also have excellent products. If you are willing to use a different brand from Yonex, use the price as a reference for what you have to pay, and then find the brand of your choice. With that, let’s discuss all recommendations.
Also, read this: Top 6 Best Badminton Shoes | Best Guide You Ever Need, 2022
Conclusion
At last, buying a good badminton shoe is an important step toward improving your performance on the court. It’s not just about style or brand; you want a shoe that fits properly, supports your movements, and protects you from any injuries. With the ideal shoes, you’re upgrading the game rather than simply playing it. Remember, the best shoe is the one that you forget you’re wearing. So take your time, review your options, and make a decision that will benefit you in every match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is grip important in badminton shoes?
Grip is essential for avoiding slips and making quick, precise movements on the court. Shoes with gum rubber soles usually provide exceptional traction on indoor surfaces.
How does cushioning affect badminton performance?
Cushioning absorbs impact and relieves stress on your feet and joints, allowing you to play more comfortably for longer periods of time without tiredness or injury.
Are non-marking soles necessary for badminton shoes?
Yes, non-marking soles reduce scuffing and damage to indoor courts, which is frequently required by gyms and badminton facilities.
